College: A Time to Discover Yourself

Aisha Nadeem is a staff columnist for The Michigan Journal. Aisha’s views do not necessarily reflect those of The Journal.

They say the best years of your life will be in college; that these are the days you’ll continue to remember for the rest of your life. It’s the adventure of a lifetime — quite literally sometimes. So does anyone feel a bit worried hearing that? As a college student, I feel that aside from the parties, events and hangouts, sometimes being a young adult is the hardest thing in the world.

If you feel that way, you’re not alone! In these years, we are told we have all the freedom to build ourselves, and that you can be anything you want to be. But what if you don’t know what that is? Throughout the years you would say, “When I grow up…” and continue with some crazy ideas such as princesses and firemen, but now the question is real, and so is the answer. It’s true, we have all the freedom to do so, but sometimes that is the scary part as well. We change our minds about what we want for lunch within minutes, and they expect us to determine our entire lives? Some people know what they want from the beginning and work for it all their lives. Some of us don’t find out until three years later when we change our majors. Some of us fear we might never know!

As if that isn’t difficult enough, we have people from all sides constantly asking us where we are in life and how many more years or credits to go. On top of that, there is always news about how much competition is going around, how the world is moving faster with advancements and technology, and which jobs pay best. It’s overwhelming and sometimes you wish you could hide under a blanket and say, “Why did I ever wanna grow up?!”

It’s okay to feel that way sometimes. It’s okay to have a hundred questions and feel a bit scared to find the answers. But don’t let that be the thing that stops you. They aren’t completely wrong you know; right now is the time to be anything you can be. Slow down from the busy, rushed life and learn something new about yourself each day. Try new things and talk to all kinds of people; and yes, experienced older people do, in fact, give really good advice. Take a little risk and join something different, or try to take a big one if you’re up for the challenge. The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work out. But that’s one more thing off your list, and that try was worth more than just wondering.

If you’re good at something, even if it’s a silly little hobby or something you don’t feel like you might be talented enough in, try anyway. Be creative with it and make it your signature work. I know how it is; I never thought my inspirational writing would go anywhere but my daily journal. Now here I am as a staff writer for the Michigan Journal! You would be amazed by how much encouragement, motivation and hope is coming your way if you simply try. If there’s one thing you need to know, it’s that we all have something to bring to this world. Share something with the world and watch yourself find your place here in college and the rest of your life!